Rome Sightseeing - The Best Instagram Spots in Rome

Enjoy a spot of Rome sightseeing and add a dash of culture to your social media with the best Instagram spots in Rome below!

Rome, the eternal city, has centuries of history, culture and art thanks to being the heart of the Roman Empire. With a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and spiritual landmarks, Rome sightseeing is second to none! While wandering around town, you'll want to keep your camera handy because we've put together a list on some of the best photo spots around the city. Pack your portable charger because you're set for some serious Rome sightseeing with our guide to the best Instagram spots in Rome.

St Peter's Basilica

As the heart and soul of the Roman Catholic faith, St Peter's Basilica is renowned for its stunning architecture, distinctive dome and marble detailing. It happens to be the largest church in Rome and there's always something breathtaking to photograph both inside and out, whether you're snapping photos of its tall pillars or Bernini's bronze pavilion. Filled with sculptures and mosaics, it's also an inspiring place of artistic expression and boasts an incredible view of the city from the top of its towers.

❣️

A post shared by Leila Beruchashvili 🕴 (@lelusinio) on Feb 26, 2017 at 7:28am PST

Sistine Chapel

Best known for its captivating ceiling fresco The Last Judgement painted by Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited sites within the Vatican City and also most frequently photographed. Part of the Vatican Museums which contains a prolific collection of art and details the history of Catholicism in the city, the 15th century chapel also features murals by Botticelli. Stand in the centre of the cathedral and point your camera directly upwards at Michelangelo's masterpiece for the ultimate Instagram shot.

내 눈앞에 콜로세움이 있는게 왠지 그냥 어이가 없었다

A post shared by 이경진 (@lkj____1115_21) on Feb 26, 2017 at 11:12am PST

The Coliseum

Add a splash of ancient history to your Instagram feed with a shot of the Roman Coliseum, where gladiators, wild animals and emperors once roamed. More than 2000 years later, it's now frequented mainly by tourists and the gigantic amphitheatre's distinctive arches, pillars and steep, tiered seats are impossible not to photograph. Scale to the top of its seating area and its walkways to get a full sense of the structure's sheer size, as well as a breathtaking view over its crumbling ruins.

Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo

This stark structure cuts an imposing figure amidst Rome's skyline and the former fortress stands sentinel over the nearby River Tiber. Now a popular ancient Roman museum and the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, it's always a hit with history buffs and travel photographers. According to legend, a holy vision depicted the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword on top of the building to signify the end of a plague wracking the city and this has been recreated in an impressive bronze figure, overseeing the city. The opulent Papal Apartments are rich with stunning details and the Courtyard of the Angel is perfect for well-lit photographs.

A mais bela e conhecida fonte barroca italiana ⛲ . 📍 Fontana di Trevi | Roma 📸 @royalcaribbean

A post shared by Teste o Mundo (@testeomundo) on Feb 26, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

Trevi Fountain

While it may be a struggle to get a photo of the Trevi Fountain without crowds of tourists in your shot, it's an iconic Roman sight with beautiful Baroque sculptures. Get someone to snap a photo of you tossing coins into its glittering waters (a popular tradition that is said to ensure a return trip to Rome) or sitting on its low walls with the marble structure arcing over you, much like Hillary Duff in the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Best Bars for Aperitivo in Rome

Forget your regular happy hours, here's where to enjoy aperitivo in Rome Aperitivo in Rome is a cultural pastime, with people all over the capital spilling out of offices and into trendy bars and restaurants. With affordably priced drinks and lush buffets piled high with Roman dishes, there's no end of places that put their own distinctive spin on aperitivo from jazzing things up with an extensive cocktail list or stepping up their recipe game. If you're travelling to the city, it's worth joining in the tradition at some of the best places for aperitivo in Rome below. Image via Freni e Frizoni Freni e Frizoni Converted from an old mechanic's garage, this effortlessly trendy aperitivo bar in the heart of the hip and happening Trastevere Neighbourhood. With a young eclectic crowd that spills out onto the piazza outside, it derives its name 'brakes and clutches' from its past life. Its team of mixologists make a mean cocktail and it has a large buffet serving up couscous, pizzas, bruschetta and vegetarian dishes. I wish mondays could always be like this.. #roma #rome #italy #italia #italygram #monday #mondays #drink #drinks #delicious #travelgram #travel #explore #traveler #travelingram #ig_daily #igtravel #ig_shotz #ig_europe #ig_italia #instapic A post shared by Irina Bykovskaya (@laitalianka) on Apr 3, 2017 at 10:11am PDT Salotto42 Specialising in aperitivo, Salotto42 is a great bar within throwing distance of the Piazza di Pietra. Founded by a Swedish supermodel, the entire space is filled with Swedish design touches and its shelves are stacked with curated art magazines and indie books, making it an Instagram goldmine for those looking for their next great shot. Curl up on one of its cosy couches with a sophisticated cocktail and blend in with its stylish clientele as the bar comes to life during aperitivo hour. While it's a little strapped for room, as the night draws on people spill onto the piazza with wine glasses and bar snacks in hand. Friday night. #photooftheday A post shared by Simone Bottaro (@simonebottaro) on Mar 24, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT Doppio Zeroo This welcoming bar and restaurant has a killer aperitivo offer for those on a budget - for just €10-12 you can snag yourself an alcoholic drink and pile your plate high at their all you can eat buffet. Think couscous, pasta, grilled vegetables and even a cheeky nutella pizza for dessert. Converted from an old bakery, it's a popular choice for locals and packs up quick so it's worth making a reservation if you don't want to hang around for half an hour. Image via Momart facebook Momart It's impossible not to fall in love with Momart's romantic design, from its moody dark flooring to its sprawling veranda, but particularly its aperitivo offering that starts from 6pm. People from all over Rome come here for its buffet which includes pizzas served fresh out of their wood fire ovens, pasta, salads and naturally its selection of alcoholic offerings. Popular with students from nearby universities, it generally caters to a younger crowd. I weekend sotto al portico di Piazza Augusto Imperatore sono i migliori della città. ____________________________________ #gustopizzeria #gustoristorante #gusto #piazzaaugustoimperatore #bestplacetogo #brunch #eatanddrink #rome #brunchinrome #romanity #italianrestaurant #italianfod #romefood #mangiarearoma #mangiareitaliano #loverome #centrostoricoroma #architecture #bestrestaurantinrome A post shared by Follow GUSTO_ROMA (@gusto_roma) on Feb 25, 2017 at 1:43am PST Gusto Gusto is all things to all people: a wine bar, a restaurant, a pizzeria, a bookshop and an awesome place for aperitivo. This trendy joint with its exposed brick walls and industrial details is always filled with customers and its unlimited aperitivo buffet is particularly high in demand, serving up pizzette, arancini and more. Affordably priced, there's also a great selection of cocktails and an extensive wine list to enjoy.
Megan Hills
Blog

City Break: Long Weekend in Rome

Spending a long weekend in Rome? Make the most of your time with this quick guide to the Italian capital. Rome is a city that overflows with culture, with religious landmarks and artistic masterpieces on every corner. While this all sounds fantastic and is the stuff a culture vulture's dream vacation is made of, identifying the city's highlights and planning an itinerary for a long weekend in Rome is no small task. To make things easier, we've done the legwork for you below. Tonnarelli cacio e pepe #homemade #cacioepepe #cucinaitaliana #italianfood #primoitaliano #cucinaresano #sundaydinner #sundaymood #cooking #primiromani #pecorinoromano #tonnarelli #tonnarellicacioepepe #romefood #italianfood #italianstyle #foodporn #foodblogger #yummyfood #delicious #ciboitaliano A post shared by @lacucinaconamore on Mar 19, 2017 at 1:59pm PDT What to Eat When in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge yourself in carbs. Unsurprisingly, homemade pastas are the name of the game in the Italian capital and carbonara is a must in the birthplace of the recipe. For simple comforts, try Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (a peppery cheesy pasta) or Bucatini all’Amatriciana, a meaty, tomato-based dish using hollow pasta strings called bucatini. Fried appetizers such as artichokes, suppli and zucchini flowers are a great way to kick off a meal and if you're feeling adventurous, try a quinto quarto dish comprised of offal. Don't forget to bookmark our guide to Top 10 Rome Foods you must try when visiting the capital! Where to Go The Vatican City Regardless of your religious background, the Rome's holy city within a city never fails to amaze with its stunning architecture and range of Renaissance art. Filled with churches and museums, it's worth braving the hordes of tourists to see Michelangelo's breathtaking frescos across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and find Botticelli's masterpieces scattered across the Vatican Museums. After that, venture to St Peter's Basilica and climb its intricate spire for a view over the city and see the papal throne at the Basilica of St John Lateran. For a glimpse of the Pope on Sunday, arrive early at St Peter's Square to see him read the Angelus prayer from his window. Things to See Colosseum Named for the gigantic statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby, this gigantic Roman stadium is a legacy of the capital's ancient past. Where gladiators and bloodthirsty spectators once roamed within its walls, tourists can now discover the history of its entertainment and see the remains of its glorious architecture. ☀️🇮🇹 #Rome #pretty #trevifountain A post shared by Fran Howes☀️ (@frannhowes) on Mar 22, 2017 at 12:12am PDT Trevi Fountain Sometimes the best tourist sites in life are free and the grand Trevi Fountain is one of them, with images of its pristine white marble sculptures and coin-filled waters featuring in every guide book. Participate in a Roman tradition by turning your back to the fountain and tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand - it's said that this will ensure you'll return to Rome in the future. Roman Forum Featured in blockbuster movies such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, the once great Roman Forum now stands in ruins and serves as a popular tourist highlight. Located in Capitoline Hills, once you've basked in the remains of its tall columns and massive expanse, it's worth heading over to the Capitoline Museums to see the legacy of ancient Roman art. Vittorio Emanuele II National Museum Rome, Italy #rome #museum #italy #backpacker #backpacking #travel #traveller #travelling A post shared by TK (@tk085) on Nov 26, 2015 at 10:45am PST National Museum of Rome Spread across four separate buildings, the National Museum of Rome encompasses the history of Rome's architectural contributions, artistic past and evolution of culture. While the widespread nature of the collection makes seeing all of it a frustrating task, those short on time should prioritise seeing the darling of the museum, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, which boasts a superb range of ancient Roman art.
Megan Hills
Blog

Top Five Places to Picnic in Rome

Now that it’s hotting up, Rome is one of the most picture-perfect places to have a picnic and to indulge in the food the country’s famous for. From stone-baked pizzas, fresh buffalo mozzarella, to deep red tomatoes and arancini rice balls, Rome is the best place for finger food! To make the most of the weather and to see some of the best cityscapes Rome has to offer, we put our heads together to come up with our five favorite picnic spots from the lush and verdant parks, to the banks of the River Tiber. 1. Isola Tiberina 2. Villa Borghese 3. Monte Gianicolo 4. Gardens around the Catacombs of San Callisto Slightly outside Rome are the ancient Catacombs of San Callisto, which are worth a visit regardless with your Roma Pass. These Ancient Roman are the largest in Rome with over 20km of tunnels underground and are a fascinating insight into Rome’s important archaeology. But above ground is the Appia Antica which now considered is a large heritage park along Rome’s oldest roads – so there are plenty of ruins to marvel at. Take shelter and unroll your picnic mat under the natural Cyprus and palm trees – you'll completely forget that you’re in Rome! 5. Campo di Fiori As one of the original food and flower markets in Rome, Campo di Fiori is a chaotic and sometimes overwhelming experience, but worth it to see local vendors in action, true Roman dialect and of course to sample fresh produce. For anyone who wants supplies for an all-authentic Roman picnic, start at Campo di Fiori and you won’t regret it. With a range of stalls selling olives, cheeses, and fruit and vegetables stock up while you can and stop off at one of the local wine shops for something to wash it down with. Buon appetito! Consider picking up an Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass, and make the most of your very own Roman Holiday with all the best sights of the in one package. It even includes a travelcard so you can move around Rome with ease.
Go City Expert

Dreaming of that Rome city break?

Sign up to receive top travel tips

Thick check Icon